Director Steven Soderbergh makes the audience feel like they are the main character in Presence. Written by David Koepp, the story of a moving ghost and making the family the center of attention capture surreal value throughout the entire film. For clarification, the cameras and the whole frame are at the center of the film because every angle of the film moves during each moment of conflict or importance. While it is a bit shaky in some instances, the result is steady and perfect. Nothing even close to the shaky experience in The Blair Witch Project (1999). However, the film’s continuity and movement are clear and concise. I thought a lot about how Koepp’s writing feels like you’re following a story, and in this case it is through the moving angles of a hidden ghost.
The film is focused on a family that moves into a new home. The mom and dad are Rebekah (played by Lucy Liu) and John (played by Chris Sullivan). Their children are Chloe (played by Callina Liang and Tyler (played by Eddy Maday). Once the film begins, the dynamics of this family are captured effectively. Their disagreements weave back and forth through the motions of the camera (and the ghost is the camera.) However, they have a notion that their home is not normal, especially given frequent instances when the house is rumbling, and the lights are flickering. The audience is made to feel like they are the ones in control because of the way close-ups are used every time there are suspenseful moments. Soderbergh’s use of characterizations and realism are melded in a way that creates real stress and shocker moments for the audience given his careful direction of Presence.
As the camera/ghost weaves through rooms, the monumental lighting creates an atmosphere that highlights the characters. This produces anxiety in scenes when Chloe is with her boyfriend Ryan (played by West Mullholland). When they are together doing activities, the audience gets the sense that Ryan may be a bad influence. However, since the house can rumble, it feels as if the ghost is the protagonist preventing the antagonistic events in Presence. When Ryan has an evil plan, a rumble erupts. When there is a matter of concern, the camera pans closely on one of the characters. At the same time, the concern regarding what is making the house experience strange episodes is the central concern in Presence. The moving parts from the minds of Soderbergh and Koepp create a intriguing environment where outcomes are unpredictable, and tension spirals.
There are hidden events which may be the reason why there is a spirit lurking around the house. There are hints in the story about someone who was important but lost. However, it leaves the audience hoping the invisible actions create more good than bad. The realistic human feelings are seen through the eyes of the invisible actions. This film takes a bold and new approach by Soderbergh which is genius and compelling. Three-out of four stars for Presence.
Movies with Tarek 